me of the things we have on board may be lost in
the river."

"We don't want to lose either the crew or the cargo," retorted George.

"There's no more danger going down the stream where we are than there is
in trying to climb the cliffs and strike out overland," declared Pete.

No further protest had been made and not long after the departure of the
division which was to climb the rugged pathway that led to the table-land
the sailors were ready to embark.

Fred and John were both skillful in handling the boat, a form of knowledge
in which even Grant was proficient. It was for this reason largely that
Pete had selected Fred and John to accompany him.

Before he stepped on board, John, who was to push at the stern, looked out
over the broad river. The current made in toward the shore where he was
standing and was clearly defined. The swift waters bore around a bend not
more than fifty yards below them. It is true that the passage here had
already been made and the boat hauled back, but the very fact that a
previous voyage had been tried although it allayed certain fears
nevertheless made both Go Ahead Boys aware of the places where peril would
confront them.

Pete was in the bow holding a long pole in his hands, while Fred was to
take his friend's place whenever the latter desired him to.

In a brief time the strong heavy skiff was caught in the sweep of the
channel and was borne swiftly down the rushing Colorado.

There was an excitement in the attempt that manifested itself clearly in
the faces of all three. At one place where for a brief time the waters
were stiller Pete turned to his fellow voyagers and shouted, "My, I must
say you're the two nerviest boys I ever see."

John and Fred stared blankly at each other at the compliment, neither in
fact having been unduly alarmed or suspecting that they were passing
through any unusual peril.

Twice the boat had been swept in close to a projecting ledge but
fortunately had escaped without any serious crash.

At the end of ten minutes the boys were aware that they were approaching
the place which they dreaded most of all in their descent. The river
became somewhat narrower here and the waters consequently were much
deeper. A shoal or some huge hidden ledge rose in mid-stream and the swift
current, divided by the obstacle, roared and sang as it rushed forward on
its way on either side. One hundred yards below the projecting rock the
divided channel was reunited. Th